Inspiration. Some days, it‘s everywhere I look… other days, not so much. Actually, the inspiration is always there, but I am not always open to seeing it.
For me, being inspired depends on a lot of factors- my mood, things happening in my life, too much to do and not enough time and other distractions. When I have had a stressful day, it’s hard to go down to my studio and create a work of art. I don’t know how artists like Michaelangelo maintained such a high level of inspiration all the time! Maybe his wife had to give him a pep talk on his way out every day for the years it took him to paint the Sistine Chapel.
I think the main way to be open to receiving inspiration is training yourself to be aware of things that are interesting to you. Whether I am sitting in a restaurant waiting for a friend to arrive and notice the pattern in the wallpaper or flipping through a magazine, I always try to keep an eye out for things that are pleasing or attractive to me.
When I am feeling like the mojo fairy is overdue for a visit, here are some things I do to get me back in the groove.
- Shop! Go to a store that inspires you. I usually wind up at Target because there is always something in that store that appeals to me. Look for colors, shapes, and textures that catch your eye. Sometimes it’s the little details that get you thinking like the ruffles on a dress or placement of a design element.
Nature can inspire.
- Convene with nature. Go outside and take a minute to look closely at a flower, leaf, insect or ice crystal. Nature reminds me that there is beauty in every creation. Although one peony looks like another, no bloom is exactly the same. The scrapbook page that you design might have the same elements in it as someone else but all of your photos will be your own, making it personal and special to you and those you love.
Inspirational people!
- Be around people. Have a conversation with a child. Bounce an idea off a friend. Share a laugh with someone. It gets your endorphins working and sometimes you just need a break. When you are stuck and need a boost, call on your creative buddies to talk you through and before you know, your mind will be merrily back on track.
- Keep a notebook handy! I have one in the car, next to my bed, in my studio and by the computer. I also keep a digital tape recorder in my purse for when I am on the road. That’s when I have some of my best ideas. Write them down immediately so you remember- this could be the next big idea!
- Google. There are many beautiful blogs and websites out there with great ideas and photos. Looking for information on techniques, products or projects is as easy as typing what you are looking for into the Search bar. You will find lists of references and somewhere along the way, you are bound to see just what you are looking for. The trick then is getting OFF the computer and down to work!
Inspirational packaging.
- Look at a product whose packaging you like and use it as a basis for a design. Companies spend big bucks to research what gets the consumer’s eye. Why not use that information to your advantage and start with an already successful idea? Add your spin to existing packaging and create an eco-friendly work of art. Here‘s an example of a Dove soap box that I was about to throw out. But it was springtime and the soft purple was so pretty. I took it downstairs and made a little Easter basket for a friend who had not been feeling well.
- Look through a book or magazine. I always have a post-it supply near my favorite chair so I can mark pages that stand out to me for some reason. When I want an idea, I can come back and find inspiration without having to look through the whole publication again. Sometimes it takes me a while to get back to it, but It’s funny- even if it’s been six months, my eye scans the page and usually picks out what I found so interesting the first time! I never copy anything exactly because then it’s not MY idea, but I am inspired by new techniques, color combinations, or materials that look like they might be fun to work with.
- Breathe. Take a minute to think about the look you want and what you are trying to say in the design. Start simple. Get a basic idea and let things build once you see a basic outline.
In 2008, I wrote two books for a manufacturer (Matboard Magic and Foamboard Magic). It was the dream job. Basically, I had free reign to create any projects that I wanted as long as I used their tools. The designs flowed out like water. Inspiration was not a problem here. Writing the instructions, however, seemed to take forever! Inspiration is great and necessary but you need the follow through to make the design actually happen.
Here is an example of how inspiration struck recently in my daily life. The other day, I went into the post office to mail a package. I always check to see if there are new stamps because the artwork is usually really cool. I saw a new forty-four cent floral love stamp in beautiful purples and pinks. I had to buy some. My next thought was, ”Hey! I can use these in a project!” And then, “I can blog about the project!” You may be seeing this in the near future so stay tuned
These are just a few techniques that work for me. The main thing is to get in your happy place and be open to new ideas. Let your mind wander and explore the possibilities and you never know what will come out.
What inspires you? Please feel free to share tips with ways that you have found to keep the inspiration coming! Hope to hear from you. Happy crafting!
- Eileen Hull
Tags: Inspiration
